Award recognizes work in human rights, social justice and advocacy

This past Saturday, December 10th – International Human Rights Day – the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission presented its annual Human Rights Awards at an event at the Halifax Central Library. The awards honour individuals and organizations in Nova Scotia for work in the field of human rights, social justice and advocacy.

We are proud to share that the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice at Mount Saint Vincent University received the “Organization Award” for their annual Girls’ Conference – an event, now in its sixth year, held at the Mount during International Women’s Week.

The Girls’ Conference provides opportunities for girls and young women to learn together in a safe space about human rights, social justice issues and other issues relevant to them. It is open to all who identify as girls and young women from across the province. Delegates are attracted to the conference from diverse communities through partnerships with community groups, organizations and schools.



Said Christine Hanson, Director and CEO of the NS Human Rights Commission, “The people and groups honoured today [December 10, 2016] have impacted the lives of those in their communities and our province. Their passion and commitment to human rights at its most local level represent the qualities we value as Nova Scotians: openness, hospitality and perseverance.”

The Alexa McDonough Institute for Women Gender, and Social Justice (AMI) at the Mount, chaired by professor Dr. Susan Brigham, is a hub of feminist energy, action and research that seeks to achieve equity and improve lives locally and globally. It does this through education, partnerships, action and research under the guidance of a steering committee of volunteers. AMI’s activities, including the Girls’ Conference, promote women’s leadership, a principle to which the Mount is committed.

Congratulations to the AMI team!